Preeclampsia is Associated with Lower Percentages of Regulatory T Cells in Maternal Blood

OBJECTIVE: Immunological mechanisms are involved in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia. During pregnancy there is an increase in regulatory T (Treg) cells, which has an important role in regulating tolerance to the immunologically distinct fetus. We hypothesised that percentages of Treg cells are decreased in preeclamptic patients. METHODS: Peripheral blood was obtained from 26 healthy pregnant controls and 18 preeclamptic patients. Treg cells were measured using flow-cytometry. RESULTS: Women with pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia had significantly lower percentages of CD4(+)FOXP3(+) Treg cells. CONCLUSION: We conclude that a deficiency of regulatory T cells may play a role in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia.